University
Avenue
Streetscape
Improvements
First impressions matter, especially to high school students contemplating the next four years of their lives. That is why the reconstruction of University Avenue focused on improving circulation, pedestrian safety, lighting and transit throughout the campus corridor. During the design process, several key strategies were developed to help achieve these goals and create a sense of place on campus that will enhance the experience and improve first impressions.
Prior to improvements, prospective students visited the University of North Dakota (UND, or University) and encountered a wide, bleak, four-lane road that was difficult to maneuver. The University, in partnership with the City of Grand Forks, recently completed a $13 million renovation of a one mile stretch of University Avenue through the heart of campus. The design converted this unimpressive entrance road into a prized asset for the campus and community. Three key motivators drove the design process of this complete street project: improve safety, establish a front door for the campus and ensure a maintained interest and durable structure during winter months. A family of furnishings for the complete street was developed based on creating a cohesive, celebratory and unique campus environment.
The design focused heavily on creating long views along the corridor. Special care was taken to keep sidewalks aligned and consistently wide enough to allow four people to walk side by side. Plantings, monuments, fencing, supplemental trees and lighting were spaced to accent the rhythm of the long views. These considerations collectively encourage students to walk to crosswalks instead of cutting across traffic.